India is among Oman’s fastest-growing markets. Through the ‘Focus Oman’ roadshow, it seeks lasting business ties by promoting Oman for leisure, MICE, and weddings.
Surbhi Sharma
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, in collaboration with 25 leading Omani stakeholders including hotels, DMCs, and attraction partners, recently hosted the first edition of its B2B showcase, ‘Focus Oman’, in Jaipur. The 4-day event drew participation from over 150 top travel planners across India, including specialists in luxury travel, weddings, and MICE, underlining Oman’s growing prominence as a short-haul premium destination for Indian travellers.
The feedback from participants was positive, with appreciation for the quality of meetings, effective networking opportunities, and smooth organisation, making the showcase a significant step in enhancing bilateral tourism ties.
India as top source market
According to official statistics, India topped tourist arrivals to Oman in 2024, contributing more than 6,00,000 visitors, a 40 per cent increase over 2019 levels. Speaking on the occasion, Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage & Tourism, Oman, said, “India is one of Oman’s fastest-growing source markets. Our goal is to position the country as a high-end destination, attracting premium travellers across leisure, corporate events, and weddings. With stakeholder collaboration, we aim to grow arrivals to 1 million in the coming years.”
While the ambition is strong, he emphasised that growth will be stable and sustained, built on a solid foundation of long-term partnerships.
Weddings & MICE travel
India’s reputation as a global leader in outbound weddings and corporate travel makes it a strategic priority for Oman. Yousuf highlighted Oman’s 5-star infrastructure, luxury resorts, authentic cuisine, and exceptional services as a natural fit for Indian weddings and corporate events.
The country is also placing greater emphasis on adventure tourism, targeting youth and families. From soft nature-based experiences in the south to more challenging mountain and desert activities, the Sultanate of Oman offers a diverse adventure portfolio. These experiences are now being regulated and offered through licensed operators to ensure quality and safety.
The country’s rich cultural fabric with over 1,000 castles and forts remains a strong attraction for Indian travellers interested in heritage tourism.
Focus on Indian market
Yousuf revealed that the success of the Jaipur edition would pave the way for wider engagement across multiple Indian cities in future editions. Plans are already underway for an India roadshow in 2026, which will bring more Omani stakeholders face-to-face with Indian partners across regions.
Marketing will also play a significant role in Oman’s India push. The Ministry plans to support local operators in India through joint campaigns, familarisation trips, and B2B gatherings, alongside strong participation in major trade events. Recognising changing traveller behaviour, he stressed that influencer-led outreach will be central to engaging India’s younger audiences and diversifying the market base.
Short-haul destination
By strengthening partnerships with Indian agents, tapping into MICE and wedding demand, and showcasing its mix of luxury, culture, and adventure, Oman is clearly positioning itself as a premium short-haul destination of choice for Indian travellers.
Focus Oman is not just a one-off event, but it serves as a foundation for sustained engagement and a long-term tourism partnership with India , concluded Yousuf.
The country is also placing greater emphasis on adventure tourism, targeting youth and families
